Several fatal accidents have occurred in recent years near the 'treacherous death trap' on N1 near Louis Trichardt in Limpopo, where a bus crash claimed over 40 lives.
Many questions have now been raised, with some observers arguing that improved infrastructure and more stringent oversight could have prevented the tragedy.
“We all know that specific corner is a treacherous death trap,” said Marie Helm, the Democratic Alliance (DA) Provincial Spokesperson for Transport and Community Safety, as political parties join the growing outcry over the accident, calling for a thorough investigation and immediate safety interventions along the province's notorious mountain passes.
Helm echoed widespread frustration over the repeated accidents in the area.
The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and the Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA) have also called for accountability and urgent government intervention to prevent further loss of life on Limpopo’s notoriously dangerous roads.
The premier of Limpopo, Dr. Phophi Ramathuba, paid a visit to the scene of the tragic bus accident on Monday morning. and then proceeded to hospitals to treat the injured, expressing her condolences to the victims and their families.
“This is a heartbreaking tragedy. Losing so many lives in one incident is painful beyond words. On behalf of the Limpopo Provincial Government, we extend our deepest condolences to the affected families, including those in Zimbabwe and Malawi. We wish a full and speedy recovery to all survivors. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time,” said Ramathuba.
On Sunday, the bus travelling from Gqeberha and carrying Malawian and Zimbabwean nationals lost control and reportedly veered off the road, plunged down an embankment, and landed on its roof.
Helm said, “We still don’t know what caused this horrific accident. It is not a simple cause either because the weighbridge at Mampakuil is still not fully functional.
''So if (this is just an example) there could have been defects on the bus, they could have spotted it. If the driver's licence was problematic (just an example), they could have picked it up. Furthermore, did the driver rest sufficiently often? These could have been possible contributing factors.''
She added, ‘We will need a very thorough investigation. Then we need to devise a plan to look at ALL possible conditions and work on each to prevent further carnage on Limpopo’s roads.
“That corner is notoriously dangerous. Why are there no concrete barriers on either side of the road to offer some safety? Why are there no speed humps before the steep downhill leading into that corner or clear warning signs to alert drivers to the danger ahead?” she asked.
Helm added that the DA has repeatedly raised questions in the legislature about the deteriorating state of Limpopo’s roads.
“We have tabled many questions on the conditions of roads in Limpopo, but remember this road (N1) and the Magoebaskloof road (R71) both are SANRAL roads and not under provincial control,” she said.
Helm stated that her party, through its Portfolio Committee on Transport and Community Safety, will demand a full report on all accidents that have occurred on Limpopo’s mountain passes over the past five years.
The party will also press the department for short-term interventions ahead of the festive season, as heavy traffic is expected with many vehicles travelling from south to north.
IFP Chief Whip in the National Assembly, Nhlanhla Hadebe, said there needs to be stronger action from law enforcement to ensure that all buses are roadworthy, safe, and compliant with traffic and transport regulations.
“In addition to the Road Safety Manual, the South African National Roads Agency Limited developed the Routine Road Maintenance Program to ensure that the newly built are regularly maintained to ensure longevity.”
Hadebe added that to curb the rising carnage on Limpopo’s roads, the IFP is calling for a multi-pronged response.
“We call upon the authorities to take stern action against reckless drivers, enhance enforcement and surveillance with traffic police visible 24/7, and improve road infrastructure. We also urge the government to implement stricter regulations for large vehicles such as trucks and buses and to launch ongoing public awareness campaigns to promote safer driving habits,” he added.
Lastly, the IFP emphasised the importance of regional collaboration in improving transport safety, particularly given the cross-border nature of the tragedy involving Zimbabwean and Malawian nationals.
“As the IFP, we fully support knowledge pooling within the Southern African Development Community to address regional challenges such as road safety. Member states must work together to strengthen transport regulations, share expertise, and ensure that vehicles travelling across borders meet the highest safety standards,” he shared.
President Cyril Ramaphosa also expressed his profound condolences to the nations of Zimbabwe and Malawi.
He described the crash as a tragedy for South Africa and its neighbouring countries, noting that the sorrow is compounded by its occurrence during Transport Month, a period dedicated to road safety awareness.
“This incident is a tragedy for South Africa and our sister states of Zimbabwe and Malawi alike. Our roads are economic networks that bring the people of our region together across borders. We must do everything we can, as road users, operators, drivers, and passengers, to stay safe and share our roads responsibly,” said Ramaphosa, urging all road users to prioritise safety.
MISA also conveyed its condolences to the family and loved ones of the victims who died.
“Their families in Malawi and Zimbabwe must be devastated because they have been awaiting the safe return of their loved ones from the Eastern Cape. Among those who passed away is a 10-month-old baby. Another 38 patients were transferred to different hospitals.”
The deadly N1 highway has been the site of several fatal accidents over recent years.
On March 28, 2024, a catastrophic crash occurred near Mmamatlakala, about 5 km west of Louis Trichardt. A passenger bus carrying 46 people lost control, plunged off a bridge, and caught fire, resulting in 45 fatalities.
The bus, which was on its way from neighbouring Botswana to Moria, plunged 50 metres (164 feet) into a ravine before bursting into flames. An 8-year-old girl was the sole survivor.
The Star
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